The article discusses the evolving strategic importance of space for U.S. military power, highlighting a shift in policy under the Trump administration. The National Security Science and Technology Strategy prioritizes space alongside undersea capabilities and AI, aiming for U.S. technological dominance from low Earth orbit to cislunar space. An updated National Space Transportation Policy sets ambitious goals for rapid space access and restoration capabilities, particularly in response to China’s growing space threats, including jammers and anti-satellite systems.
The Space Force’s successful rapid launch during the VICTUS NOX exercise illustrates the potential for quick deployment, but challenges remain in scaling this capability. The FAA warns of bottlenecks due to a concentration of launches at a few sites, indicating a need for more infrastructure and commercial investment.
The article advocates for expanding launch capabilities through partnerships with allies to ensure that U.S. military operations remain resilient and can recover quickly from disruptions. Mark Montgomery and Emmerson Overell argue that U.S. space superiority hinges on developing diverse launch capacities and international cooperation.
